Vampish: Blood Bonds, page 2
“You’re just being stupid,” Sierra hissed. She nudged Hunter, staring expectantly. “Tell him not to be so stubborn. Remind him about all the crap you put me through because you were so noble.”
Hunter chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. “She’s right, Ransom. I told you not to make unilateral decisions. You need to tell her the truth. If you’re worried she’ll get caught in the heat of the moment, have the discussion with clothes on.”
Sierra giggled, and I shot her a narrowed glare. “You two are having way too much fun with this. I’m glad my incessant torture amuses you.”
“You kind of deserve it,” said Sierra. “Now, vampire up and tell Nix the truth.”
“You’re ruthless, Violet. And to think, you used to be my favorite.”
She threw me a smile that had my heart staggering on a beat. “I just want you to be happy, Ransom. Because despite what you think, you deserve it.”
I dragged my hand through my hair and let out a huff. “You’re assuming this will work, when in reality we have no idea if it will. My wolf is still dead, remember?”
“It won’t hurt anything to try.”
But it would. The truth was that giving into that tiny bit of hope could wreck me. I was already walking on a tightrope most days, so close to falling. Red was the only thing that kept me steady. If the mate bond didn’t work and I lost her, I’d plunge into the darkness forever.
I grumbled an inarticulate response. There was no point in rehashing my instability with my old friends. “Enough about my love life, matchmakers. Can you get me that meeting with the dark lord?”
Hunter nodded. “I’ll get on it as soon as we return to Moon Valley.”
“Thank you, brother. I need to know exactly what we’re up against before I take down the mad king.”
“I was serious earlier, Ransom. Whatever we can do to help, you’ve got it. Not only is Phoenix family now, but I understand the ramifications of serviles running free into my borders. I’ll make sure the Etrian Assembly understands it as well at our next meeting.”
“I’d appreciate that. I worry that the other realms aren’t taking Ronin’s threat seriously.”
“I’ll make sure they do.”
Hungry. Hungry. I prowled the corridors of Sky Lair, my throat parched and my stomach howling. I’d just fed from that dragon girl a few hours ago and already I was craving more. It was a damned good thing my desire to protect Red kept me from leaving the confines of the fortress to search for another blood source.
My pride kept me from asking Red for another donation. We hadn’t exactly left things on a good note after she’d found me with that girl, and I wasn’t sure where we stood on her offer to provide blood.
The smack of approaching footsteps turned my attention down the hall. My nostrils flared as I inhaled the familiar scent, the same scent that perfumed these hallways. Spark appeared around the corner with Seline at his side. The she-wolf clung onto him like sweat and desperation. Not a good look.
“Where’s Nix?” he barked as he approached.
“I don’t know. I’m not her keeper.”
The dragon snorted on a laugh. “Since when? Lately, I can’t get a minute alone with her without you showing up.”
I shrugged. “It’s not my fault if she enjoys my company.”
“Right… She’s just addicted to your blood. I knew that undercover mission was a bad idea.”
“Oh Sparky, you don’t know the half of it. If only it were my blood she was addicted to.” I licked my lips and shot him a wink. Gods, he was so easy to rile up.
“Whatever you think you have with her isn’t real,” he growled, lunging closer. “It’s a side-effect of your damned blood.”
“Spark, come on, let it go.” Seline’s arm slapped across his chest, trying to force him back.
I actually felt bad for the girl. It was clear to everyone but her that the dragon was still in love with Red.
“Think what you want, Sparky.” I smirked. “Now, what do you need with Red? I can find her for you if you’d like? With my damned blood, as you put it.”
His lips twisted into a scowl, but his head finally dipped. “Yeah, I just heard back from Cal and Archer. They have news.”
I nodded and closed my eyes, searching the connection between us. The string tightened, and I let my instinct takeover. My feet began to move of their own accord, and I gave them free rein.
Five minutes later, we emerged just outside the walls of Sky Lair to a snow-covered lawn. Hunter and Red were in wolf form, and I couldn’t help the twinge of envy as the pair frolicked in the snow. Red’s fur was its usual auburn tinge, and no flames coated her body today. Instead, the siblings were taking turns blowing fireballs from their mouths and knocking cans off an old railing.
How delightfully mundane.
“I still can’t believe it,” Sparky muttered beside me.
I’d forgotten that her precious team had never seen Red’s wolf in action. I stopped, enthralled by her movements. Her sleek fur glistened beneath the moonlight, muscles quivering below the brilliant red hair. She moved like a wraith, unencumbered by her physical form as she darted around Hunter’s wolf.
Thanatos, she was perfect.
My wolf stirred, that ghostly presence brought to life at the beguiling sight of his mate. What if the mate bond did bring him back? What if I could run free on lupine legs once again? I shook the thought out, the hope too risky to even consider.
Red finally caught sight of us and with a quick nod to Hunter, galloped in our direction. As she moved, a crimson mist rose around her legs. By the time she reached us, she was back in human form. Naked. My eyes bulged out along with a lower part of my anatomy.
“What’s going on?” she panted.
Spark’s eyes lit up as they razed over her milky white skin, and hot, fiery jealousy ballooned in my chest.
I tugged my shirt over my head and tossed it to her. “I’m sure Sparky will be happy to share once he can drag his eyes back up to your face.”
With a scowl, she pulled my tee over her head and crossed her arms over her chest. Not like she needed to now. “So what’s up?”
“Cal and Archer were called in to see the queen.”
Red’s fear lanced through our bond, the feeling so acute I barely suppressed the urge to clap my hand over the pang in my chest.
“Where’s Vera?” Her worried gaze lifted over the three of us.
“She went back as soon as we got word from Lucíano.”
“What’s the queen doing to them?” she squealed.
“Nothing yet. Just questioning them about your whereabouts.”
I muttered a curse. Despite their training, they wouldn’t be able to block the queen’s compulsion forever. They’d break, and they’d spill the truth.
“That’s why Vera left,” Spark added. “She’d given them both potions to block compulsion, but if the queen holds them for long, it’ll wear off. She’s going to try to sneak them some more.”
“While they’re in the queen’s custody?” she shrieked.
“She had to try,” said Seline.
Red’s jaw clenched, determination written across her face. “You have to leave now, Spark, both of you. Tell the queen the truth that I was here, but I left.”
“No.” The big dragon shook his head. “Where will you go?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s safer that way. The less you guys know the better. The queen can’t take it out on you if you don’t know anything, right?” Red eyed me.
The truth was that I wasn’t so sure. Carmen Rosa was a good woman, but her people and her throne meant everything to her. Would she kill some sicari if it meant getting to Red? I wouldn’t put it past her.
“You can’t live on the run,” the annoying dragon continued.
“I’ll protect her, don’t you worry, Sparky.” I patted his shoulder, and he recoiled from my touch.
“Nix doesn’t need you. She was doing just fine before you showed up in her life.”
“Spark!” Red barked. “Enough. We don’t have time to argue. We’ll stick with the plan just like we talked about, only it looks like I’ll be on the move instead of enjoying the comforts of Sky Lair.”
Hunter appeared behind Red, his wide shoulders looming over her. “Phoenix is right, Rhydian. You need to return to Nocturnis. Your father must remain in good standing with the Etrian Assembly and harboring a fugitive of the queen will only worsen the cause. We’re going to need each of the houses of Azar on our side if war erupts.”
“When it erupts,” I interjected.
“Fine then, it’s settled.” Red moved toward her friends and wrapped her arms around Spark’s neck.
I fisted my hands at my sides as his arms curled around her. It was a fanged good thing she had my shirt on, or I would’ve lost it.
“Be careful when you go back there,” she whispered to Sparky. “You’re in charge now, and I’ll kill you if anything happens to you or our team.”
A rueful smile rounded the dragon’s lips. “I’ll do my best.”
She hugged Seline next and despite the drama within this love pentagon, the embrace seemed legit.
“I want daily reports, Sparky. And you let me know the moment Cal and Archer are released from the queen’s custody.”
“Yes, sir.” He saluted her before turning on his heel. But before he got far, he turned back and shot me a narrowed glare. “You better protect her, or I’ll hunt you down and kill you myself.”
I waved him off with a smirk. “Like you could ever catch me.” Red jabbed me with her elbow, and I buckled over for her benefit. “I’ll guard her with my life, dragon boy,” I called out.
The pair disappeared back into the fortress, and an icy breeze blew over the mountaintop. Red shivered, and I drew her into my side without thinking. Surprisingly, she stayed put. It was likely because she was freezing, but I enjoyed the moment just the same.
Hunter cleared his throat, and the moment of bliss passed. “Sierra and I have to head back to Moon Valley shortly.” He dragged his palm over the back of his neck, and I relished in the supreme alpha’s unease. It was so rare to see the great wolf flustered. “I’m sorry for the upheaval my news brought, but I’m glad we had some time together.”
“Me too.” Red gave her new brother a tight smile.
Hunter’s hand landed on my shoulder. “I just heard back from Vander, and Azara’s awaiting your arrival. When will you go?”
“Tomorrow,” Red answered before I could get a word in. “We will head out tomorrow.”
I let out a frustrated sigh and shrugged. “You heard the boss, tomorrow it is.”
Chapter
Three
Phoenix
* * *
A smattering of ash coated the dull earth all around us. Still in a crouch, I scanned the barren landscape of the sixth realm where the portal had dumped us. A few crags jutted out in the distance, that same ashy hue covering the peaks. No lush green like in Marlwoods or the fluffy snow of Draeko. The land itself seemed dead, cursed.
A chill skittered up my spine despite the oppressive heat. Why would anyone choose to live in the Underworld?
A handful of demons eyed us as they lumbered by. A particularly nasty looking guy with a leathery face and antler-like projectiles sticking out of his head snarled at me as he passed. And my question was answered: these creatures wouldn’t exactly blend in if they lived in the other realms.
“This way,” said Ransom, tearing me away from ogling the locals.
Behind a wall of jagged rocks and boulders stood a white marble fortress. The structure was so at odds with the stark surroundings I wasn’t sure how I’d missed it when we’d first landed. It was light and bright, reflecting the tiny shards of sunlight that eked their way through the ominous clouds.
My heart froze, eyes darting to Ransom. Sunlight? I released a breath when my vampire buddy still stood, untouched by the sun’s rays. I’d almost forgotten about the potion Vera had gifted him before our departure. She was also working on getting him a solari ring, but I hadn’t shared that bit of information with him just yet. He needed to earn that bad boy and after his recent behavior at Sky Lair, he was nowhere near the day-walking prize.
Every time my relationship with Ransom took a step forward, he’d do something to mess things up and we’d end up right back where we started. I hated it. Hated the uncertainty, the back and forth, push and pull. But I couldn’t stop…
As we approached the immense alabaster structure, the ground began to rumble. My arms shot out to keep me balanced, and bardy teetered in my palm. The wall of rocks split, creating a path to the towering fortress.
“Guess this is the entrance,” said Ransom.
We walked up the pathway and a few yards before we reached the entrance, the thick metal double doors opened. A young woman with hair as black as midnight stood in the archway alongside a massive dragon shifter. His silvery gaze raked over us, and he moved closer to his mate.
She cracked a smile. “Welcome to the Underworld.”
“Thanks,” I managed. “I’m Phoenix and this is Ransom.”
“We’ve been expecting you both. Please, come in.” She backed away from the door and motioned inside. “I’m Azara as I’m sure you’ve guessed and this is my mate and husband, Talon.”
The dragon eyed us as we entered, irises like molten steel. Damn, he was scary AF. Light giggles drifted across the hallway and a little girl raced by, dark curls flying behind her. “Momma! Dadda!” The tiny toddler wrapped her arms around Talon’s tree-trunk sized legs.
He bent down, the scowl carved into his face disappearing as he hauled the child into his arms. “Serafina, where is Lumi? I told you to stay upstairs while we have company.”
From the corner of my eye, I couldn’t help but notice the look of longing on Ransom’s face as he watched the big dragon with his child. A pang streaked across my heart at the sight. I shoved the useless thought aside. Ransom was a vampire, and anyway, he’d made it clear he had no interest in children from the beginning. Then why was he looking at the little girl like that?
A woman appeared a moment later, graying hair flowing loose from her bun and a long tail chasing after her. “There you are, you naughty little thing.” She dipped her head at Azara then Talon. “I’m sorry, she got away from me.”
“It’s okay, Lumi.” Azara squeezed the demon’s shoulder. “I know what a rascal Sera can be.” She pried the girl loose from Talon’s arms and after a quick hug placed her in the nanny’s arms. “Be a good girl, and Mommy will give you a treat later.”
She giggled and clasped her arms around the demon’s neck. “Yum, yum.”
“Sorry about that.” Azara’s cheeks rosied as she regarded Ransom and me.
“Impressive; dark lord and mommy,” Ransom quipped.
The tension in the air dispelled a notch, and Talon pointed us toward a sitting room off the main foyer. The modern vibe continued inside with sleek furniture and bright colors. It was as if the interior designer had tried everything in their power to offset the dreariness of the realm with an explosion of color inside.
Once we were all seated, the dragon shifter steepled his hands and sat forward in the chair. “Please tell us more about why you’re here. The supreme alpha was rather vague in his explanations.”
“I apologize for that.” I straightened, mirroring Talon’s position. “I wanted to be the one to share the news in person.” Clearing my throat, I began. “Let me try to make it short and sweet. Azara is in danger. There’s a battle going on in Nocturnis between two factions of vampires. Ronin and the Children of the Night want to remove the queen from power. He’s gotten it in his head that the way to do that is by summoning the god of death, Thanatos, to break the shadow curse, and he needs Azara’s blood to do that.”
The pair eyed me incredulously.
“Maybe we need to hear the long version,” said Azara.
“Okay…” I drew in a breath and started from the beginning. Once I finished the whole story, the two of them still looked at me like I had grown a third eye.
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Ransom interjected, “but it’s all true. You can speak to the queen herself if you’d like.”
“But you just said the queen wants you dead.” Azara’s curious gaze ran over me.
“Or imprisoned. Basically, she just wants to keep Ronin and Thanatos from getting to me.”
“Which means she could want to do the same to Azara.” Talon’s jaw clenched.
“It’s possible,” said Ransom, cutting in, “but I doubt she’d be stupid enough to go after a dark lord, let alone one who sits on the Etrian Assembly and is a favorite granddaughter of Lucifer.”
My jaw nearly dropped. Shift. How did I not know that? I needed to brush up on my Underworld history.
“What about my mom?” Azara’s eyes chased to her husband’s. “If it’s the blood of any female warlock, she would be in danger too.”
“Luna is safe in the human world. You know your father would never let anything happen to her.”
She nodded slowly.
“And your daughter?” Ransom’s question drew my thoughts to the cute little raven-haired girl.
“She’s half dragon,” Talon answered. “She’s not a warlock.”
“Either way, I’ll let Mom and Dad know what’s going on. Either one of us could be this Ronin’s target.”
“I’m more concerned about Thanatos.” Talon’s dark brows drew together. “Do you think this warlock you spoke of could really return him to corporeal form?”
It was a good question and one we hadn’t paid much attention to. The gods hadn’t walked the earth for centuries, not before the first vampires were made. “I don’t know,” I finally muttered.
“We were all hoping it was just the ravings of a mad man,” said Ransom, “but I’m not so sure anymore.”
Talon turned to his wife. “Talk to GG and see what he thinks.”
“Good thinking.”
